Management of droughts and famines in Ethiopia

Different drought/famine management strategies at household and macro-levels were studied. The results show that there is no single correct way ahead and there is no ready-made strategy to cope with recurrent droughts and famines. A critical analysis of the household coping strategies reveals that not all rural households are equally vulnerable to droughts and famines. The study indicates also that in response to the degrading production environment, farmers become more provident and employ a variety of techniques to cushion themselves against contingencies. With regard to the macro-level coping strategies, the findings reveal that efforts which have been made so far were inadequate and in most cases not directed towards the real problems. Moreover, the results of the study show that the macro-level preventive measures have been top-down exercises in futility because they have not paid due attention to the very people who are the causes and victims of environmental degradation. Key Words: coping strategies, degradation, drought, famine, food aid, resettlement, resources Jnl of Social Development in Africa Vol.19(1) 2004: 93-12